Custom Neck Profile: Are there common ways to specify remotely?

[WordMan]

I tried to search on this, but couldn't find threads. If one/many exist, please point the way.

I have no experience with custom builds. If someone owns a guitar with a "perfect neck profile" and they want to have a custom guitar built with that same profile, are there common ways to communicate that info if the builder is far away, so no in-hand inspection is possible?

Would measurements sampled along the neck, perhaps even making cardboard cutouts that fit the neck at key fret spots, suffice? Or has this challenge been solved years ago via other means?

Or, instead, is it: nothing replaces an in-hand inspection, and thinking otherwise is unrealistic. If someone wants a guitar with a specific neck profile they are better served finding someone they can get to in person.

Thanks!

[Trevor M]

If you have or can find an existing guitar that you want copying try this.

Take some solder wire or other soft wire and warp it around the neck at various noted frets them lay it against a line on a piece of paper against a drawn line and write some dimensions.

I will try to find an example and post it.

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) UK

If you have or can find an existing guitar that you want copying try this.

Take some solder wire or other soft wire and warp it around the neck at various noted frets them lay it against a line on a piece of paper against a drawn line and write some dimensions.

I will try to find an example and post it.

I knew there was something like this that was simple and practical. Makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[Trevor M]

Here is an example.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Originally Posted by The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) UK

Here is an example.
...snipped photo...

Very cool idea! and I'd do the tracings on graph paper to ensure proper scale.

[Tim McKnight]

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-...gauge-907.html

[Fast Jimmy]

Take a look a "Jim's custom build" in this forum by Steve Sheriff, he's doing for me exactly what you're wanting to do.
Jim

[WordMan]

Originally Posted by Fast Jimmy

Take a look a "Jim's custom build" in this forum by Steve Sheriff, he's doing for me exactly what you're wanting to do.
Jim

Ah, once I figured out that SS = Edwinson, I found it. Guitar looks cool. Ah, the pic on page 4 with the profile contour samples - yep.

So a luthier can work with that input in a straightforward manner; cool - good to know.

[harvl]

My preferred method is to use plumber's epoxy. Make a rough cardboard cut out about 1/8" bigger than the neck shape in 3 places (at the nut, right before the heel and approx. half way in between) roll out 3, 1/4" diameter "strings" of the epoxy (making sure it's fully blended of course) make them long enough to wrap completely from bass to treble. Next tape wax paper to the desired locations and form the stings to each location. Finally push the cardboard cutout into the epoxy making sure they stay in full contact with the neck shape. let dry and remove and you very accurate templates that the builder can use to test as they shape.

Harv

[John Osthoff]

I have put a packet together including the supplies in Harvey's method and sent that to a customer to create the profile templates. Worked great. Not sure where I learned about that process, could have been from Harvey

[CoolerKing]

I did the same thing that Trevor showed in his post, copying my old Martin. It's surprisingly hefty especially above the 5-7th fret compared to most modern guitars I've played. But, I found it was just amazing; to the point that I had the Baranik copied to that, as well as the Marklund. So, hopefully after it arrives, I'll have three main six strings that are all 14 fret, 1 3/4 nut, 2 5/16 spacing, and very close necks.

[harvl]

Originally Posted by John Osthoff

I have put a packet together including the supplies in Harvey's method and sent that to a customer to create the profile templates. Worked great. Not sure where I learned about that process, could have been from Harvey

I learned it from Hank Mauel I think...

Harv